Indicative distribution
The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas.
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click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Snowpatch Feldmark in the Australian Alps Bioregion
Gazetted date:
27 Apr 2018
Profile last updated:
30 Aug 2021
Description
Snowpatch Feldmark is characterised by a sparse cover of small prostrate shrubs and low herbs amongst an exposed rocky substrate with abundant bare ground. Mats of the shrub Coprosma niphophila may be locally dominant with compact cushions of Colobanthus nivicola also frequent. Other common species include Epilobium tasmanicum, Neopaxia australasica, Poa fawcettiae, Agrostis muelleriana, Luzula acutifolia subsp. nana, Luzula australasica subsp. dura and Senecio pinnatifolius var. alpinus. Snowpatch Feldmark falls within the Alpine Fjaeldmarks vegetation class.
Distribution
Snowpatch Feldmark occurs as scattered narrow patches above about 1800 m elevation on east to south facing slopes of the Kosciuszko Main Range between Mount Kosciuszko in the south west and Mount Tate in the north east, Mount Townsend in the north west and Mount Stilwell in the south east. There are 107 patches with a mean area of 1.5 ha and a north – south range of 14 km. It occurs entirely within Kosciuszko National Park.
Habitat and ecology
- Snowpatch Feldmark is restricted to steep, sheltered slopes at high elevation that receive abundant snow in winter. The snow in this situation is the last to melt, resulting in a very short growing season for the few species that characterize this community.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Reductions in snow cover and increases in temperature due to climate change are likely to change this ecological communityÆs composition.
- Rosette forming non-native species (e.g. Cat's ear, Mouse-ear Hawkweed) are capable of colonising the bare ground in this habitat.
- Increases in temperature due to climate change may facilitate the invasion of weed species.
- Browsing and trampling by feral deer.
- Browsing and trampling by feral horses.
- Browsing by hares and increasingly by rabbits as temperatures increase.
- Trampling by recreational users.
Recovery strategies
A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.
Activities to assist this species
- Monitoring is required to detect and respond to invasions by non-native and native plant species, and to evaluate the rate of vegetation change due to climate change.
- Seed collection and storage will ensure the survival of species restricted to this community, and for restoration of habitat if required.
- Remove non-native plant species where necessary.
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